Life-Giver

John 20:19-31
Like the disciples, we are each commissioned to be life-givers. (19-23)
Like Thomas, we all struggle with doubt at times. (24-29)
Like John, we can develop a passion to help others find life. (30-31)

Read verses 19-20. What reasons do the disciples have to be fearful? Consider what happened in John chapters 18-19. How would you summarize the disciples’ experience with Jesus? What would you have felt like if you were one of the disciples?
2.Read verses 21-23. What mission did Jesus give the disciples? How does this mission compare to the missions of Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8? How does this mission compart to our church mission statement? What does Jesus give us to help us complete the mission, and why is this important? What point is Jesus making in verse 23?
3.Read verses 24-25. Why do you think Thomas was reluctant to believe the other disciples? Would you have responded like Thomas? Why or why not?
4.Read verses 26-29. How do you think Jesus got into the locked room in verse 19 and again here in verse 26? What do we learn about Jesus’ body in verse 27? What do we learn about Jesus’ resurrected body from this entire passage? Thomas’ exclamation in verse 28 is perhaps the climax of the entire Gospel of John. What is significant about what he said? How does Jesus’ reply encourage us as Christ-followers in the 21st century?
5.Read verses 30-31. What is John’s primary goal in writing this gospel? Do you think he accomplished this goal? Why or why not?
6.So what. In what circumstances do you struggle to trust God? What helps you to trust God even in difficult circumstances? What else are you taking away from your study of this passage that encourages you in your walk with God?